A dust-covered prototype spotted in a California parking lot has stirred plenty of curiosity across forums and social media, serving as an eerie reminder of the unforgiving nature of the electric vehicle market. The vehicle in question appears to be a near-production evolution of the SF7 concept, first revealed by Chinese automaker SF Motors back in 2018.
That company had big plans for the North American market, purchasing a factory in Mishawaka, Indiana, for $160 million and opening a R&D facility in Milpitas, California. However, those plans were shelved due to shifting market dynamics and US-China trade complications.
The abandoned prototype has been spotted in the parking lot of the SF Motors facility, showcasing a mix between a sedan and fastback crossover design with conventional lighting units. Originally, the SF7 was meant to ride on a dedicated EV platform, boasting quad electric motors with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower.
Despite its promising specs, the vehicle never made it to showrooms. Seeing this derelict development vehicle in California is a reminder of how close SF Motors came to offer vehicles in the US.
The abandoned prototype is now all that's left of a $160M bet on the Chinese automaker's North American ambitions.
This abandoned prototype serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by startups in the electric vehicle market, where fast-paced innovation and high financial risks can lead to setbacks. It highlights the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics and navigating complex trade relationships.
